On July 25, 1996, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration RA-87573) operated by Weasua Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Monrovia-James Spriggs Payne, Liberia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on short final after the aircraft encountered windshear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On final approach to Monrovia, a three-engine aircraft encountered windshear, struck the ground short of the runway, and sustained substantial damage. All 11 occupants escaped uninjured.
Accident
The aircraft was on an uneventful flight from Freetown when, during the final approach to Monrovia, it encountered windshear. The aircraft lost height and struck the ground approximately 5 meters before the runway threshold, at an elevation 0.8 to 1 meter below the runway. The left main landing gear was torn off during the impact. The aircraft then slid or rolled for about 300 meters before coming to rest.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair as a result of the accident.
Occupants
All 11 occupants aboard the aircraft escaped without injury.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of control on short final after the aircraft encountered windshear.